I wasn't planning on posting tonight, as I got hardly anything done in my garden today besides watering. I was busy all day helping the folks.
That was until I got a few comments on my Monsanto post. At first I had to laugh that I got someone reading that vehemently opposed my views and opinions. Then I just HAD to post. I needed to say that I truly believe that I have an open mind and appreciate a wide variety of opinions.
I also have a huge respect for the American farmer. It is a brutally hard life and most unfortunately often a no-win career. What I take offense to is the farm supply industry's attempts to force farmers to constantly buy new seed, petro-chemicals and fertilizers every year. I also believe that the verdict is still out on genetically engineered food. It may be the salvation of a hungry planet. It also may be damaging to our health. With Monsanto's track record, I choose to err on the side or caution.
Never think I have something against farmers. Without them, we could not sustain ourselves as a nation and world. The fact that I'm working to provide my family with a bit fresher and healthier fair means nothing in the grand scheme of things.
As for not posting folks comments, if it's not spam, and not simply saying "your site sucks", it gets posted. I care what readers think, even when they disagree with me (regular occurrence). I encourage the American Farmer that commented on the one post to read others before jumping to conclusions.
Other than that, it's a miraculous weekend. It's in the lower 70s and sunny. We just got back from a walk and boy is life grand!
Enjoy your garden!
I hear ya, ol' buddy! Sometimes people can leave the worst comments....I've only deleted 1, and it was because I really want my blog to continue with it's family oriented content. A person has to stand up for what they believe in....
ReplyDeleteActually, I don't think he is an American farmer... so many of the farmers are fed up with Monsanto. You can read about it all over the internet.
ReplyDeleteThe farmers are tired of Monsanto eliminating the availability of the traditional seed varieties (now that Monsanto owns the seed world) and only making their GM seeds available for the farmers to grow. If the farmers grow these GM varieties, they are "leasing" the seeds and not even actually purchasing them! And they have to sign contracts with Monsanto just to grow seeds. Imagine THAT! Plus, in the contracts, they are required to purchase a certain amount of herbicides to be applied per acre of seed that they plant. So, now because of the patent for RoundUp being expired, the farmers still can't purchase and even use the off brand because of the contract they have to sign. So I don't really think this guy is a farmer.... if I were a farmer, I wouldn't want Monsanto cramming their fist down my throat....
Rich, your post on Monsanto was awesome! Plus, I really appreciate the comment made by Marion that gives a list of all of the Monsanto owned seed varieties.
i would like your permission to use content and pics from your website to promote the Build-as-u-grow potato box concept in southern africa. i am putting a website together for africa to accept this idea to increase own production of potatoes as the cost of buying them from market has escalated so much its just crazy.
ReplyDeletethanks in advance.
I think it's time farmers heard the voice of the public, and monsanto too! I don't want gmo foods. There is a reason it's strictly labeled in Europe, because the CONSUMERS want to be aware of what they are eating. Coming from Europe I don't understand why America doesn't do the same? Oh yeah cos most of the Monsanto bigwigs are also in the USDA and FDA! Monsanto is crooked, they lie, and they aren't out to solve world hunger. They are out to control food, all of it. To farmers who are using monsanto I suggest you wake up and see that you aren't saving money. Look at the Indian farmers committing suicide because of debt caused by monsanto. I grow my own because I want to know where my food is coming from, what it's sprayed with, and whether or not it contains gmo. As more and more people become aware of Monsanto's deceit I think we'll see more people growing their own food. Then where will the american farmer be?
ReplyDeleteSeriously. I buy A lot of my "standard" produce from a local CSA because I want to support farming that nutures not only our bodies, but also the earth and respects the farmers' craft. I had an interesting chat with a family member of a mass-production farm, and she says they wish they could go organic and grow heirloom varieties instead of Corn #2, but they just can't afford to not buy Monsanto GMO seed because even with the fertilizers, it's the cheapest they can grow and still break even. Also, there's a blazing market for that crop, and changing what they grow would be a huge issue for finding new buyers and new markets, likely incurring huge transport costs. It's like they're trapped with no viable way out.
ReplyDeleteSo, we have to change the market by our own examples, with what produce we buy, and what seed we plant. I'm all for that!